Discover Michigan’s weird and wonderful winter ducks

Discover Michigan’s weird and wonderful winter ducks

DNR banner with link to websitemore than two dozen black and white common goldeneye ducks, with bright orange feet, take flight off a calm, gray lake

Discover Michigan’s weird and wonderful winter ducks

Winter brings a fascinating cast of characters to Michigan’s waterways—ducks! As colder temperatures and icy winds freeze Arctic and boreal waters, an array of waterfowl (over 30 species!) migrate south to find their winter haven in Michigan.

Here are just a few reasons to love these winter ducks:

  • They are beautiful. From the elegant northern pintail, with its dapper three-piece-suit plumage, to the playful surf scoter, which sports a striking orange bill, many winter ducks catch the eye of bird-watchers.
  • They have unique adaptations and behaviors, which are a delight to watch. Surf scoters can dive deep for food amid cresting waves, while the common goldeneye occasionally shows off its quirky mating displays in the winter.
  • They gather in awe-inspiring congregations. Up to tens of thousands of waterfowl can be seen on Great Lakes open waters! One species, the ruddy duck can often be found in large flocks, rarely mixing with other ducks, as they strut a punky tail and vibrant blue beak.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or brand new to the hobby, winter is the perfect time to explore Michigan’s waterways. Grab your binoculars and see how many of these fascinating species you can spot!

Learn more about the different winter waterfowl you can expect across Michigan. Read Audubon Great Lakes’ “Weird and Wonderful Winter Waterfowl” and “It’s Time for Weird Ducks” and watch the “Winter Waterfowl ID” webinar, presented by MI Birds in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, the River Raisin Institute and the Detroit Bird Alliance.

Questions? Contact Erin Ford at 313-820-0809.

Winged Wednesday is back in 2025

With every new season, there’s something to see in the birding world! In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DNR introduced Winged Wednesday text updates on birds being spotted in state parks across Michigan. The Winged Wednesday weekly messages are starting up again in February, so make sure you’re registered to receive these updates!

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According to All About Birds, more than one-third of the nation’s population age 16 and older in 2022 closely observed, fed or photographed birds, visited public parks to view birds, or maintained plantings and natural areas around the home for the benefit of birds. That’s some big birding business!

Visit the DNR’s birding webpage to learn more about Winged Wednesday, birding trails, season-specific guidance and other information that can help birders of all experience levels make a more meaningful connection to this rewarding outdoor pursuit.

Questions? Contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.

News Digest – Week of Nov. 25, 2024

News Digest – Week of Nov. 25, 2024

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News Digest – Week of Nov. 25, 2024

a few fallen orange and burgundy colored leaves lie on the green grass of a low-lying rise in the forest
Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTOS: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (snowmobiling in Marquette County and jumping girl) are available in the DNR’s public image gallery. The wild turkey photos are available in a separate folder.


Join DNR, partners for ‘Inside Michigan State Parks’ webinar series

young girl in black leggings, sneakers and jacket stretches arms up while jumping over rocks, logs and grass in forest at Bewabic State ParkCalling all fans of Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas! You’re invited to the special two-part “Inside Michigan State Parks” webinar series highlighting a few of the exciting projects in the works around the state.

Each webinar features DNR team members and the partners who are helping bring these projects to life. Two webinars are coming up in December.

“Creating a Sense of Place”
Monday, Dec. 2, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Space Haus and the DNR are creating interpretive experiences at Muskegon, Orchard Beach, Dodge #4 and Sterling state parks this year. Hear about curating the stories that make each place special and the creative process for telling the stories in a way that is compelling for many generations. You’ll also explore examples of how this has been done successfully around the country.

“Creating More Resilient Children through Nature Play”
Monday, Dec. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The DNR is proud to partner with the Natural Learning Initiative to foster nature-based design thinking for our play spaces. These make play educational for our littlest visitors. Hear from the preeminent experts on nature-based play, who have insight into shaping experiences that help children engage in the natural world.

Register for the series (you can sign up for one or both). These projects are made possible thanks to support from Recreation Passport purchases and the $2 Difference (from campers and boaters who gave an additional $2 when making their camping or boating reservations), as well as donor contributions and purchases of outdoor-inspired products from the DNR’s These Goods are Good for Michigan partners.

Questions? Contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.


From extinction to abundance: Wild turkeys flourish in Michigan

a beautiful wild turkey hen with dark brown, tan and cream markings perches on a narrow tree branch to pluck red berries from a twigDid you know that turkeys not only gobble, they also cluck and purr? And in addition to flying, wild turkeys can even swim when they need to! Thanks to collaborative conservation, these incredible birds are thriving across Michigan.

In the early 1900s, overhunting and habitat loss nearly wiped out the state’s population, but the DNR and partners including the National Wild Turkey Federation worked together to reintroduce wild turkeys to the state and restore habitat they need to flourish.

Michigan’s oak-savannah habitats are of particular importance. These lightly forested grasslands with abundant oak trees provide turkeys with acorns to eat and habitat to build their nests at the base of trees, under shrub or in the tall grass. Oak-savannah habitats also support the nesting needs of migratory birds, such as the blue-winged warbler and eastern towhee. In addition to forests, Michigan’s wild turkey population can be found in fields, wetlands and urban and suburban parks.

The resurgence of wild turkeys is a conservation success story and a reminder of the impact that partnerships can have in protecting wildlife. Ongoing support and awareness of habitat conservation are essential to maintaining this progress. Learn more about Michigan’s wild turkey conservation efforts.

Two striking, mature wild toms with white heads and thick brown tail feathers stand together in low-lying grass, a sunny field in backMichiganders can help by volunteering with the DNR on public lands stewardship effortsestablishing food plots on their property, or participating in community science initiatives like turkey population monitoring each summer.

While it might seem counterintuitive, regulated hunting of wild turkeys also supports their conservation and management. Hunting license fees and excise taxes on hunting equipment support the DNR’s Wildlife Division. A portion of turkey hunting license fees also goes into the DNR’s “turkey fund,” which is used for habitat management on public lands to conserve populations and critical habitat. Learn more at the DNR turkey webpage. Turkey hunting season is closed for 2024 and will open in the spring and fall of 2025.

MI Birds is a public outreach and engagement program presented by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR that works to build and bring together wildlife enthusiasts across the state to engage with and conserve Michigan’s birds and public lands.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.


Snowmobile season is near – are you ready?

Two people in winter gear ride green and black snowmobiles down a wide, gently sloping, well-groomed trail surrounded by treesWhile we don’t yet know what winter has in store, state-designated snowmobile trails are open Dec. 1 to March 31, and trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. Now is a good time to prep for the season (think snow!), starting with purchasing your snowmobile trail permit.

Michigan is home to 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (only where riding is authorized).

Did you know that nearly 1,900 private landowners allow use of their land to create the trails network? Their generosity allows the DNR to offer trails that connect communities and bring snowmobilers to special places of interest that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them.

“We’re incredibly grateful to these property owners and their partnerships with their local snowmobile clubs,” said Jessical Roehrs, statewide motorized trails analyst for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “It’s important for all of us to give thanks to these landowners and to remember to be respectful of the land, wherever we ride.”

Michigan DNR snowmobile safety Ride Right graphic identifierHere is ride-related info to keep in mind:

  • Always Ride Right: Ride sober, ride at safe speeds and ride on the right side of the trail. Get more tips at Michigan.gov/RideRight.
  • Your $52 snowmobile trail permit is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. Buy permits online through eLicense (your sticker will be mailed within seven to 10 days) or the Michigan Snowmobile ORV Association (which processes permit orders daily Monday through Friday) and in person at DNR license agents and dealers.
  • Residents must also register snowmobiles with the Michigan Secretary of State (unless sleds are used solely on private property). Registration is good for three years, and those registration dollars support the purchase of easements, law enforcement on trails and safety education.
  • The snowmobile program is 100% funded by trail permit and registration dollars that are directly reinvested into the program to benefit snowmobilers. The funds pay for grooming, signage, maintenance, bridge and culvert construction, purchase of new equipment, liability insurance, maintenance of trailhead amenities (signage, bathrooms, plowing of parking lots) and other snowmobile-related expenditures.
  • Remember that some snowmobile trails may not be open Dec. 1 due to trail conditions or other factors such as in-progress maintenance projects. Know before you go by checking the DNR’s closures webpage.

Learn more at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling. Questions? Contact Jessica Roehrs at 517-331-3790.


ICYMI: Now is a great time to prune, protect your oak trees

A gray and black oak wilt fungal pad found underneath the bark of an infected oak tree.Now that most trees across the state have dropped their leaves, tree maintenance may not be top of mind. When it comes to your oak trees, however, you might want to reconsider!

Oak trees in areas of the Lower Peninsula, as well as in Dickinson, Iron, Marquette and Menominee counties in the Upper Peninsula, are dying from oak wilt. One of the best ways to help prevent oak wilt from infecting trees on your property is to avoid wounding them during the high-risk infection period, April 15 to July 15. In fact, the safest time to prune oak trees is the winter season. In case you missed it, this recent DNR news release explains more about oak wilt, covers the benefits of off-season pruning and gives other useful information.


Photo ambassador snapshot: Picture-perfect perspective

bright blue sky and wispy white clouds reflect off calm lake surrounded by mature pines, downed wood and irregular shorelineSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Stacy Pokrywka, for the Michigan DNR, at Craig Lake State Park in Baraga County.)


THINGS TO DO

When it comes to Michigan’s great outdoors, there’s much to be thankful for. This holiday weekend, discover things to do and enjoy a new adventure!

BUY & APPLY

Snowshoe building, ice fishing (panfish, steelhead and walleye), turkey hunting and more, you can learn it all with the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy in 2025.

GET INVOLVED

Want to support Michigan’s outdoors and history but aren’t sure how to help? Visit our Get Involved page and learn about ways to give, volunteer and partner.

DNR’s Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections start Nov. 30

DNR’s Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections start Nov. 30

 
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DNR News

Nov. 21, 2024
Contact: Katie Gervasi, 517-290-0679

DNR’s Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections start Nov. 30 with Detroit event

More donation spots available in Clare, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Northville, Plainwell and Traverse City

two officers standing by truck with toysIf you’re out and about shopping over the next few weeks, consider donating to the annual Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections. The drive, now in its sixth year, is hosted by Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and will take place at several locations throughout the Lower Peninsula.

The goal is to collect new, packaged toys, as many as it takes to “stuff” the back of a conservation officer patrol truck. All collected toys will be donated locally to ensure more children have gifts to open Christmas Day.

“Michigan conservation officers are connected to our communities – not just through law enforcement but also by actively working to build community relationships, too,” said Lt. Todd Szyska, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor in Detroit. “Christmas should be a time for peace, love, hope and joy. We want to share that spirit of the season by helping those in need and making the holiday a little brighter.”

Stuff a Truck started in Detroit on Belle Isle in 2019, with all toys donated to the Detroit Police Department’s Sergeant Santa program. Stuff a Truck has expanded to include events this year in Clare, Gaylord, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Traverse City, donating to local Toys for Tots and Salvation Army organizations.

“Our concept initially was simply to see if we could stuff the bed of a conservation officer patrol truck with donated toys,” Szyska said. “Well, that first year we filled not only one, but two trucks. It was always the hope that the Stuff a Truck concept would go beyond Detroit, and we are proud that the program has expanded to support more communities throughout the state.”

This year, Stuff a Truck events will accept new, packaged toys (free of wrapping and decorations) at several locations, including:

Saturday, Nov. 30

  • Detroit: DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the OAC to take complimentary pictures with anyone who donates a toy. Donations go to the DPD Sergeant Santa program. OAC admission rates still apply. A drop-off bin will be available during business hours until Dec. 6.

Saturday, Dec. 7

  • Traverse City: Blain’s Farm and Fleet, 210 U.S. 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations go to Toys for Tots.
  • Kalamazoo: Walmart, 6065 Gull Road, noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Kalamazoo Salvation Army.
  • Muskegon: Walmart, 1879 E. Sherman Blvd., noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Muskegon Salvation Army.
  • Grandville: Cabela’s, 3000 44th St. SW, noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Grand Rapids Salvation Army.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8

  • Jay’s Sporting Goods, 8800 S. Clare Ave., Clare and 1151 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations will go to the Central Michigan and Gaylord Toys for Tots.

Drop-off donation bins are also available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. until Friday, Dec. 6, at the following locations:

  • Belle Isle Park Office, 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit (donations go to the DPD Sergeant Santa program).
  • Maybury State Park, 49601 Eight Mile, Northville (donations go to the DPD Sergeant Santa program).
  • DNR Plainwell Customer Service Center, 621 N. 10th St. (donations go to the Grand Rapids Salvation Army).

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents through general law enforcement and conducting lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.

The DNR’s next crop of CO recruits is getting ready to start Conservation Officer Training Academy #13, which begins Sunday, Jan. 5, in Lansing. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.


Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Truck: Michigan Department of Natural Resource’s Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections start Nov. 30 in Detroit at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. More donation spots are available in Clare, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Northville, Plainwell and Traverse City.

DNR News: Recipients of 2025 Community Forestry Grants

DNR News: Recipients of 2025 Community Forestry Grants

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DNR News

Nov. 19, 2024
Contact: Kerry Gray, 734-691-1806

DNR announces recipients of 2025 Community Forestry Grants

Trees wait for people to claim them at a tree giveaway event. Tree planting, education about the benefits of trees and other tree-centric efforts are on tap in nine Michigan communities thanks to Community Forestry Grants from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Those communities will share $127,093 in grant funding.

The DNR received a total of 24 proposals requesting nearly $393,000 this year.

The approved projects will collectively plant and care for 260 new trees; engage and train an estimated 200 students, residents and city staff; inventory and develop plans to sustainably manage more than 14,500 public trees; and leverage more than $157,500 in community and volunteer matching.

  • Village of Cass City: $10,000 to complete a public tree inventory and tree management plan.
  • City of Chelsea: $5,768 to complete an urban tree canopy assessment and tree preservation plan.
  • Eaton Conservation District: $26,205 for tree planting, youth and volunteer engagement, and education and outreach efforts at the Charlotte Forest Garden.
  • City of Hastings: $12,500 to complete a public tree inventory and develop a maintenance plan to guide the city’s public tree care program.
  • City of Laingsburg: $14,365 to plant and care for new trees at McClintock Park.
  • Sparta Township: $9,102 to plant and care for 41 new trees at several township parks.
  • City of Swartz Creek: $9,890 to plant and care for 38 new trees at Abrams Park.
  • City of Trenton: $27,013 to complete a public tree inventory and develop a maintenance plan to guide the city’s public tree care program.
  • City of Williamston: $12,250 to complete a public tree inventory, develop a maintenance plan and plant trees to expand the city’s tree nursery.

Community Forestry Grants are made available through federal funding from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s Urban & Community Forestry Program. They are administered by the DNR’s Urban and Community Forestry program. Learn more about the DNR’s program at Michigan.gov/UCF.


Note to editors: Several urban/community tree-planting photos are available in the DNR’s public image gallery. All photos courtesy of the Michigan DNR unless otherwise noted.

DNR News Digest – Week of Nov. 11, 2024

DNR News Digest – Week of Nov. 11, 2024

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News Digest – Week of Nov. 11, 2024

a small, thin twig with half a dozen bright red leaves against the backdrop of two tall, thick, black-barked trees amid green forest
Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.

PHOTOS: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (white-tailed deerred fall leaves and snowmobiling) are available in the DNR’s public image gallery. The burrowing owl image is courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Digital Library.


‘Wildtalk’: Habitat work, pintails, deer, deer and more deer

a white-tailed doe and buck with 8-10 antler points stand chest-deep in the sparse, golden grass of a sunlit fieldJust in time for firearm deer season, the DNR Wildlife Division’s November “Wildtalk” podcast is available with great information to help hunters have a safe, successful hunt. Scott Eggeman, the northern Lower Peninsula field operations manager, provides an update on habitat improvement efforts in the region, and wildlife biologists Chad Fedewa and Samantha Courtney answer questions about deer diseases, deer management and what to expect in the woods.

Later in the show, listeners will learn more about what’s happening with waterfowl season and, specifically, one of the most graceful waterfowl species you’ll see on the wetlands: northern pintail ducks. These elegant birds with long, slender necks and distinct, pointed tails seek out shallow areas with grassy cover such as marshes, potholes, prairies, lakes and ponds.

Want to hear more? Visit the “Wildtalk” webpage for the latest episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected].


As fall/winter birding beckons, keep best practices in mind

two fluffy, tan and white burrowing owls with bright yellow eyes crane their necks to look behind them while standing in low, dry grassMichigan welcomed some rare owls to the Upper Peninsula this fall, a trend that is likely to continue as northern owls migrate south into Michigan for the winter. At the end of September, a burrowing owl (like those pictured here) was seen at Whitefish Point, on the northern tip of Chippewa County, for the first time since 1986! This sighting is one of only four known records in Michigan.

Vagrants that are seen in unusual places often return to their home range, and many folks suspect this particular bird was from Florida and visited Michigan as a result of Hurricane Helene. Just a few weeks later, a northern hawk owl also was spotted at Whitefish Point. Northern owls such as the northern hawk owl can show up in the Great Lakes region each winter, leaving their colder habitats like the boreal forests of Canada and the Arctic tundra behind – but this visitor arrived a season early!

Both owls drew crowds of interested birders and photographers, and each season hundreds of species draw us outdoors as they flit in the treetops, hop through shrubs or run along shorelines. Whether in the backyard or deep forest, birding best practices can help protect our Great Lakes birds and visitors. Here are a few to start:

  • Keep a respectful distance. Getting too close to birds, and their nests, can cause them to flush (or fly away), interfering with their natural behavior and potentially preventing them from eating or caring for their young. If your approach causes a bird to flush, you’ve gotten too close.
  • Think carefully before sharing the location of a rare bird. While rare bird sightings are thrilling, they can draw a crowd, which can cause a disturbance.
  • Leave the drones to the pros. Although drones can be useful to researchers and biologists documenting bird populations (such as at island nesting colonies), drones in general can be very disruptive to birds, especially osprey. They are also illegal in national parks and some state parks.

Get more top tips and explore helpful resources to guide your next birding trip.

Questions? Contact Erin Rowan Ford at 313-820-0809.


Get moving in the new year with three fun 5Ks

Dark green Happy Little 5K race medal, T-shirt and bib, with Bob Ross image and text Run for the Trees, Happy Little 5KReady to kickstart your 2025? Turn to the outdoors and help honor Michigan’s history by signing up for three 5K run/walk events. Registration is now open for the:

  • Detroit Auto Show 5K, 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Huntington Place in Detroit. Organized by the DNR, Detroit Auto Show and Friends of the Outdoor Adventure Center, the race route travels along the Detroit Riverfront, with the start/finish outside the doors of the Detroit Auto Show. All proceeds of the event will help update the exhibits at the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center.
  • Lumberjack Pancake Run, Sunday, March 23, at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit. Channel the flannel and run or walk the Flapjack 5K (starting at 10 a.m.) or the Silver Dollar Mile (beginning at 9:30 a.m.) and refuel afterward at the Lumberjack Pancake Run and Pancake Breakfast. Plus, the run is part of a four-day festival of fun and flannel that starts March 20.
  • Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K, which encourages participants to walk, run or roll anywhere outdoors April 19-27. Every participant gets a Bob Ross-inspired T-shirt, medal and bib as a thank-you for supporting tree plantings that now happen in nine states, including Michigan. You pick the pace and the place!

Questions? Read the DNR’s recent news release with more details or contact Michelle O’Kelly (Auto Show 5K and Run for the Trees), 517-899-5211 or Emily Grant (Lumberjack Pancake Run), 313-396-6891.


How to bird safely during hunting season

a woman with short, dark hair and wearing a tan, floppy hat and orange jacket looks through black binocularsNovember is a great time for birding as species like the sandhill crane are migrating through Michigan, but birders are urged to be aware of another season that is underway: hunting.

You can still explore the outdoors safely this hunting season by following a few simple guidelines:

  • Wear bright, visible clothing, including “hunter orange” items such as hats and vests.
  • Check open hunting season dates.
  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Keep pets on leashes.

The bottom line is that hunting is a very safe sport. By following these steps, you can confidently enjoy birding during any hunting season! Read the full Audubon Great Lakes story for for more tips.

Questions? Contact DNR bird biologist Karen Cleveland at 517-388-9795.


Passionate about snowmobiling? Help protect statewide routes

two people in helmets and snow gear ride on a snowmobile on a snow-covered trail surrounded by treesDoes your perfect snowy day include hitting the trails with your sled? Are you interested in helping protect the state’s thousands of miles of snowmobile routes? Here’s an opportunity to work alongside DNR staff to help maintain and protect more than 6,000 miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands open to snowmobiling (where authorized).

We are accepting applications for an opening on the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup, which consists of seven volunteers each serving four-year terms and contributing as volunteers (travel expenses to and from meetings are eligible for reimbursement). The group, which works closely with the Trails Advisory Council, meets quarterly at varying locations around the state.

“Michigan’s Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup collaborates with the DNR’s trails program staff to discuss and implement the sound management of recreational snowmobiling throughout the state,” said Jessica Roehrs, state motorized trails program specialist. “Topics may include snowmobile safety and education, balanced relationships with the environment and wildlife, the collection, development and sharing of snow trail information, and collaboration with other trail user groups.”

The ideal candidate will fill a member-at-large position.

“Members tell us that being part of this workgroup is a rewarding experience,” Roehrs said. “The opportunity provides snowmobile riders or someone with a vested interest in the sport to share their insight and connect with others who want to contribute to our state’s snowmobiling opportunities.”

Interested? Apply for this position by Jan. 15. For more information, contact Jessica Roehrs at 517-331-3790.


ICYMI: November hunting and trapping opportunities

Circular yellow and orange 2024 turkey cooperator patch, with turkey track illustration, DNR logoWhether you’re a longtime hunter or someone just getting started in this outdoor tradition, November is an excellent time to check out Michigan’s options. We’ve got everything from snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse and gray squirrel to turkey, raccoon and coyote – plus a variety of trapping opportunities, such as badger, beaver and muskrat.

In case you missed it, our November 2024 hunting and trapping roundup covers this month’s lineup, including some seasons that extend into December and even into the new year. Plus, you’ll learn where pheasant releases have occurred on state game/wildlife areas, and where more are scheduled throughout December. There’s also info about how to get the popular 2024 wild turkey, bear and deer management cooperator patches.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.


Photo ambassador snapshot: Sunlit serenity at Negwegon

bright sunlight through tall, green, gold and red-leafed trees casts long shadows over a narrow dirt trail cutting through a forested areaSee more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Samantha Hageman Gaina, for the Michigan DNR, at Negwegon State Park in Alcona County.)


THINGS TO DO

When you need a break from it all, the outdoors offers plenty to do: hiking, biking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching and other ways to connect with nature.

BUY & APPLY

Plan some 2025 fun for yourself or someone you love; sign up for Outdoor Skills Academy classes on ice fishing, turkey hunting and steelhead fishing.

GET INVOLVED

Every action makes a difference! If you want to support and protect your favorite places and resources, visit our Get Involved page for ideas and inspiration.

DNR News Digest – Week of Nov. 11, 2024

DNR News: Going north this weekend? Be careful with fire, ORVs, sparks

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DNR News

Oct. 25, 2024

Contact: Keith Murphy (Upper Peninsula), 906-250-1382 or Jeff Vasher (Lower Peninsula), 989-745-2942

Going north this weekend? Be careful with fire, ORVs, sparks

If you’re heading up north to enjoy deer hunting or a little fall color, please be careful with campfires, off-road vehicles and trailer chains or anything else that might cause a spark that could lead to a wildfire.

“Due to unusually dry conditions this fall, fire danger throughout much of the state remains high despite a little bit of rain today,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

DNR firefighters Friday morning were handling 17 fires in the Upper Peninsula and eight to 10 in the northern Lower Peninsula. Additionally, the Summit Lake Fire in the Ottawa National Forest’s McCormick Wilderness area reached over 300 acres in size.

“We want everybody to have fun at deer camp, but please make sure that campfires are totally out before you turn in for the night,” Rogers said.

When you’re done with a campfire, drench it with water, stir the ashes and drench it again.

Also be careful when using power equipment or riding ORVs, as heat from equipment motors or ORV exhaust systems can set dry grass or leaves on fire.

If you intend to burn leaves or yard debris, check online for a burn permit; in the southern Lower Peninsula, check with your local fire department or municipality to make sure conditions allow for safe burning. As with campfires, when you’re done burning, drench the fire site with water and stir any ashes, then wet again to make sure the fire is out.

For more information on safe burning and the DNR’s fire program, visit Michigan.gov/FireManagement.